Mets give Flores start at shortstop vs. Phillies

NEW YORK -- Wilmer Flores received another start at shortstop on Tuesday, his third in six games since the Mets recalled him from Triple-A Las Vegas. But that does not mean Flores is about to receive regular playing time over Ruben Tejada, who has also started three games since being hit in the head with a pitch last week.

"The other kid [Tejada] is playing pretty good," manager Terry Collins said, bristling at a question about Flores. "You pick and choose your spots. Wilmer came up because Ruben got beaned, so we were concerned about having a backup. So that's why he's here. There were no instructions to play him every day. We're going to try to get him at-bats. That's why he's in there today."

Tejada actually entered Tuesday's play in a 4-for-38 slide, while Flores was 1-for-7 since his return.

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.